Snapchat turns off Find Friends for UK teens under eighteen
Snapchat will disable its Find Friends feature by default for users under 18 in the United Kingdom starting this month.
Regulatory changes begin rollout now
The online safety watchdog Ofcom confirmed that the platform is implementing this update across the country. This adjustment sets the friend-finding tool to off by default specifically for minors in the region. The feature currently uses data like age and location to help users add contacts easily.
Official statements on safety goals
Snapchat describes the tool as designed for close real-life connections while prioritizing user safety. Ofcom director Oliver Griffiths called the move an important improvement in child online safety that was long overdue. The regulator stated they will hold the company accountable for finishing the rollout of this measure within the current month.
Future age verification plans
Snap has announced it will add highly effective age checks to its system by the end of this year. Griffiths warned that tech companies failing to improve protections for younger users will face enforcement actions from authorities. Non-compliant firms could be fined up to 18 million pounds or ten percent of their qualifying worldwide revenue.
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